Adjustable Propeller Shrouds for Aerial Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial vehicles equipped with propellers surrounded by physical shrouds for safety face adverse effects on aerodynamic properties and flight characteristics due to these shrouds.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adjustable shrouds that can be extended or retracted around propellers using actuators or forces generated by the aerial vehicle's movement, such as rotational or centrifugal forces, to provide safety during close proximity operations while minimizing aerodynamic disruptions during open environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical shrouds are extended around propellers for safety, then safety is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, allowing the shrouds to be extended when safety is needed (e.g., during takeoff, landing, or proximity operations) and retracted when aerodynamic performance is prioritized (e.g., during level flight). This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for safety or performance based on operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud structure is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows partial extension or retraction of shrouds around different propellers, enabling selective safety protection while minimizing aerodynamic impact on specific parts of the aircraft during different flight phases.
2Reliability
If physical shrouds are extended around propellers for safety, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud system utilizes the aircraft's own operational characteristics to achieve extension and retraction. For example, the shrouds may be designed to extend automatically during high-g maneuvers or when propeller wash is detected, and retract during normal cruise conditions. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex external actuation systems while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud structure serves multiple functions: it provides safety protection, generates aerodynamic forces for extension/retraction, and can be integrated with existing aircraft structures. By making the shroud system multi-functional, the patent reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated actuation systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for safe operation near objects by preventing propeller contact while maintaining optimal aerodynamic performance by retracting the shrouds during horizontal flight, thus enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of aerial vehicle operations.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable shrouds that can be extended or retracted around propellers using actuators or forces generated by the aerial vehicle's movement, such as rotational or centrifugal forces
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial vehicle may include adjustable configurations to selectively provide protection for propellers of the aerial vehicle. Portions of the wing and/or the tail plane of the aerial vehicle may be reconfigured to an extended configuration around a periphery of one or more propellers during generally vertical flight or hovering operations, when delivery a payload, and/or upon detecting objects in proximity. Likewise, the portions of the wing and/or the tail plane may be reconfigured to a retracted configuration that eliminates or minimizes adverse aerodynamic effects during generally horizontal flight operations, when operating at high altitude, and/or upon detecting no objects in proximity. During the reconfiguration, portions of the leading edge of the wing may be extended or retracted, and/or portions of the tail plane may be extended, retracted, and/or rotated.